Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Indoor Air Quality Assessments in Honolulu, HI

If you suspect an issue with the quality of the air in your home or building, it's time to take action. Poor Indoor air quality (IAQ) can have a significant impact upon the health and productivity of the occupants of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. It's vital to address air quality concerns before they become problematic, so to improve the health of your building and its occupants, contact the AirCare Hawaii team today to schedule your Hawaii IAQ assessment.

What we test for

Our indoor air quality assessment can also test for various substances in the air, including mold, allergen, and chemicals.

When the results come in, we'll make a detailed report breaking down everything and fully explain to you the different irritants found in the air.

What is an indoor air quality assessment?

An Indoor Air Quality Assessment involves taking data (or readings) of an indoor environment to potentially understand all contributing factors that can be the cause of multiple health issues in certain individuals. This can be done in residential homes but is primarily done on commercial projects. Mold is not always the culprit! When dealing with multiple individuals sensitivity, it isn’t always that easy to understand or pin point.

When providing these assessments, data is collected to understand:

Relative humidity -the amount of moisture in the air
Particle counts - a particle counter will identify how many airborne particles of a certain size are present in the environment
Temperature - too hot, too cold?
Ventilation and thermal controls - air flow, stagnant air, not enough outside air being mixed
CO2 levels - Carbon Dioxide emitted by humans at high levels indoors may cause occupants to grow drowsy, to get headaches, or to function at lower activity levels.
TVOC levels - Total Volatile Organic Compounds (gasses, chemicals, etc.)
Air and surface sampling for mold and other sources of allergens such as pet dander or pest infestation

As a Honolulu indoor air quality consulting company, AirCare Hawaii prioritizes each project by understanding the indoor environment as a whole by looking at all factors and conducting hypothesis testing. Other companies may only focus on one potential problem. By centering on a single concern, and performing sampling that only focuses on trying to prove that the particular issue is the culprit, then all the other potential contributing factors are being ignored. A limited indoor air quality assessment can determine a course of action to a pathway of better health, comfort and well-being of building occupants.

What are the signs of poor indoor air quality in a Hawaii home?

Common signs include persistent allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, watery eyes), frequent headaches, and fatigue that improves when you leave the building. In Hawaii’s climate, "musty" odors, visible mold around AC vents, and excessive dust buildup are also immediate red flags that your indoor air quality needs a professional assessment.

What happens during a professional indoor air quality assessment?

A professional IAQ assessment involves a physical walkthrough to identify pollutant sources, moisture mapping, and air sampling. We use specialized equipment to measure Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), CO2 levels, humidity, and airborne mold spore counts. A standard residential assessment typically takes 2 to 4 hours, followed by a detailed laboratory report.

How does "Vog" and high humidity affect indoor air quality on Oahu?

Hawaii’s volcanic smog (Vog) contains sulfur dioxide and particulates that can penetrate buildings, while our high humidity (regularly above 60%) creates a breeding ground for biological pollutants. An IAQ assessment helps determine if your current HVAC filtration is sufficient to block outdoor volcanic pollutants and if your dehumidification is preventing indoor microbial growth.

How much does an indoor air quality test cost in Honolulu?

The cost for a professional IAQ assessment in Hawaii can range from $300 to $1,500+, depending on the number of samples taken and the size of the property. While DIY kits cost less, they lack the lab-grade accuracy and professional interpretation required to solve complex issues like "Sick Building Syndrome."

Can poor air quality in the office lead to "Sick Building Syndrome"?

Yes. When office ventilation is inadequate or HVAC systems are poorly maintained, employees may experience "Sick Building Syndrome," characterized by widespread respiratory issues and lethargy. A commercial IAQ audit identifies these airflow "dead zones" and chemical off-gassing, helping businesses reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.